Sochi (Russian: Cо́чи, SO-chee) is one of the southernmost places of Russia and the second-largest city of Krasnodar Krai, with a population of 415,000. Located along the Black Sea coast, it's about 1,600km (995 mi) south of Moscow.

Sochi is often called the unofficial 'Summer Capital' of Russia, or the Black Sea Pearl. This is the country's biggest and busiest summer sea resort, attracting more than four million visitors annually with its amazing mountainous coastline, endless shingle beaches, warm sunny days, and bustling nightlife. From May to September Sochi's population at least doubles with tourists, including celebrities and the political elite of the country.

Strangely, only three percent of this visitors' crowd are international travellers, and even the frontier location of the city doesn't help to change the situation. Maybe the most famous non-politician foreign visitor of Sochi was Bono, who was invited to spend some time at President Medvedev's residence in 2010. But, in general, the city remains a very domestic destination, somewhat lacking in appropriate international infrastructure and having the same language barrier most regional centres of Russia do.

Sochi became world-known in 2007, when it won the bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The XXII Winter Olympics took place 7-23 Feb 2014 and were followed two weeks later by the Winter Paralympic Games, 7-18 Mar 2014. The Olympic and Paralympic Games were held in Sochi and the nearby ski resort of Roza Khutor at Krasnaya Polyana. It was the first time Russia had hosted Olympics since the breakup of the USSR in 1991.

Sochi has always been associated in Russia's national mentality with the south, palms and a hot climate, that's why it was quite a bit of a surprise for many that the city won the 2014 Winter Olympic bid. This phenomenon will be probably never be understood by Russians completely: every place in the country has a real winter, but Sochi? The answers are an absence of harsh frost and the very promising Alpine resort of Krasnaya Polyana in the city area. A less pragmatic explanation is the lucky destiny of Sochi. The most famous Russian saying about the city is "If I could read the cards, I would live in Sochi" ("Знал бы прикуп - жил бы в Сочи"). Initially coming from the Preference card game, this saying shows the association of Sochi and its inhabitants with luck, moreover, with an accidental and unpredictable fortune.

Sochi has many attractions to offer for anyone who loves nature, sports, history, and sunny beach leisure.

The territory of today's Sochi was inhabited for thousands of years, populated by Caucasian mountainous tribes and being under the influence and dominion of ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Abkhazian and Ottoman civilizations. A few landmarks of antecedent civilizations remained, including the bronze age table-stones and medieval Byzantine temples.

The Russian Empire approached these lands in the beginning of 19th century, and after a war with the Ottoman Empire acquired them in 1829. Soon after that, in 1838, Russian authorities established the fort of Alexandria, at the site of modern Central Sochi, and 2 more forts in the modern Lazarevskoe district of the city. Alexandria was renamed several times and finally obtained the name Sochi (by the name of a local river) in 1896.

In the beginning of the 20th century, Sochi became known as a resort place. In 1902 the first bath building in Matsesta was constructed and in 1909 the official resort named "Caucasian Riviera" was open. Right before the 1917 revolution Sochi got its city status, and in the same time the railway connected it with the rest of Russia. But the regular train service started only six years later, after the Russian Civil War finished with the Bolsheviks' victory. The city was growing quite slowly (from 13,000 in 1916 to 17,000 in 1932).

The situation changed in 1934, when a general reconstruction of Sochi was initiated by Stalin's government. In just seven years, from 1932 to 1939, the city's population skyrocketed from 17,000 to 72,000. New roads, theatres, parks, hotels and spa resorts were constructed, making the look of Sochi closer to what can be seen today.

In 1961, the authorities decided to incorporate settlements nearby into Sochi, starting the history of Greater Sochi (Большой Сочи).

After the Soviet Union collapsed, Sochi took over the role of the Russian President's traditional summer residence from Crimea, as that became a part of the independent Ukraine.

In 2007 the city opened a new chapter in its history by winning the bid of the Olympic host city of 2014. The volume of construction work was huge, including new infrastructure (roads, sanitation, air and seaports, etc.), sport venues (both indoor and outdoor), commercial and residential buildings. The new look of Sochi transformed the features of once a Soviet domestic resort.

Sochi belongs to that tiny part of Russia, which is happily located in the subtropical climatic zone. In contrast to Mediterranean climates, Sochi has a very high humidity level, like that in Abkhazia or in some southeastern states of the United States. Despite high precipitation, Sochi enjoys 300 sunny days annually, which is unbelievable for any other part of Russia except the adjacent Krasnodar Krai coastal cities. This makes nearly all the year comfortable for visiting Sochi, except maybe November through January.

Palms and snow: the winter in Sochi

Most of precipitation falls during the winter, partly in snow, but there is usually no regular snow cover in the coastal part of the city. Sochians rarely use winter tyres, so every heavy snowfall comes unpredictably for drivers. The climate of the mountainous part of Greater Sochi is significantly colder, allowing for a full ski season in winter (usually, February and March). Thanks to that, Krasnaya Polyana is quickly developing as a winter resort and will host all outdoor competitions during the 2014 Olympics.

The period of spring is quite short and is characterized by gardens blossoming (usually starts in March, even if temperatures are lower than in February). This is a comfortable season with less rain, but still with the cold sea.

Sochi's summer can be associated with the swimming season, which usually lasts from the mid-end of May till the end of October. This is the true high season with its tourist peak in July-August. In September and October the city attracts fewer visitors, partly because of the start of the school year. These two months, when the Black Sea is still warm, air is not very hot, and streets are not filled with tourists' crowds, seem to be the most enjoying time to visit Sochi. This period is called smoothy season ("бархатный сезон").

The off-season autumn, coming to Sochi in the end of October, is warm, but with more cloudy days and rain. By the end of November daily average temperature drops below 10°C (50°F).

Sochi is one of the most multinational cities in Russia with people of more than 100 ethnic groups living there. Most of them are ethnic Russians (68%), the important minorities are Armenians, Ukrainians, Georgians, Greeks, Circassians, Belorussians, Tatars, and Jews.

Russian is the predominant language spoken by almost everyone in the city, including nearly all minorities, but many local placenames came from Abkhazian and Circassian languages. The most commonly used ones include "pse" / "psh" / "psta" (water), "akh" (high), and "nykh" (holy).

The major part of Sochi inhabitants are Christian Orthodox(85%). There are also Catholics. Muslims,and Jews. Orthodox cathedrals are represented in all the parts of the city. The only Catholic cathedral located in Central Sochi was built in 1997 (most churchgoers are Catholic Armenians). There is also a mosque, albeit a very small and remote one (in Tkhagapsh community, 15km (9 mi) towards the mountains from Lazarevskoe).

Greater Sochi occupies 105km along the Black Sea coastline. Its total area is 3,500km² (2,175 sq mi) - three times larger than Moscow. However, most of the population is spread along the narrow coastline stripe, while the mountain area (1,900km²/1,180mi²) mostly belongs to Sochi National Park and partly to the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve. The city alignment is from north-west to south-east, from the neighboring city of Tuapse right to the Russian border with Abkhazia.

Greater Sochi officially includes four administrative districts:

Central Sochi DistrictThe core of the city and its most developed and populated part. Many of the city attractions, hotels and most shopping centres are located there. During the summer season Central Sochi is usually overcrowded and traffic-jammed.

Lazarevskoye District (Ashe, Dagomys, Golovinka, Lazarevskoye, Loo (LO-Oh), Makopse, Solokhaul, Uchdere, Vardane, Volkonka)The largest (1,744 km²/1,084mi²) district and with the longest (65km/40mi) coastline, includes 34 sub-districts, most of them are spread along the sea shore. Lazarevskoe district is less urbanized than others in Greater Sochi. In fact it has many various settlements, often poorly connected with each other and lacking in basic infrastructure.

Khosta District (Khosta, Kudepsta, Matsesta)Located to the south-east from Central Sochi, this district contains some major attractions, such as Akhun mountain.

Adler District (Adler, Imeretinskaya lowland, Krasnaya Polyana, Vesyoloe.)The city's important transport hub, which includes Sochi International Airport, Adler train terminal (final point for most trains going to Greater Sochi) and the only open border crossing with Abkhazia. The role of Adler is rapidly increasing now because it will host all the Olympic venues for the 2014 Games (the Olympic coastal cluster at Imeretinskaya lowland and the mountain cluster at Krasnaya Polyana). The district currently looks like a single huge construction site (certainly, the works cause traffic problems). By 2014 the look of Imeretinskaya lowland and Krasnaya Polyana will change completely, as well as the local transport infrastructure.

The best developed, urbanized and monolithic part of Greater Sochi is the coastline between Dagomys (south-east of Lazarevskoe district) and Imeretinskaya lowland of Adler district.

Like elsewhere in Russia, the Russian rouble (RUB) is the only currency officially accepted in the city. Money exchange is not a problem, but use only official counters at banks and avoid people offering you exchange at major transport hubs. By Russian law, a passport is needed for exchange operations. The approximate exchange rate was €1 = RUB62 or USD1 = RUB58 (Apr 2015).

Sochi has many ATMs, especially in Central Sochi and Adler. You may withdraw not only roubles, but also US dollars or euro at some of them (approximately 10% of all ATMs). Take into account, that Visa and MasterCard are widespread in Russia, but American Express cards are usually not accepted even at major tourist places. Also, expect possible problems with paying by card at minor shops or restaurants and at small private hotels. Have some cash with you for such cases.

Sochi is among several Russian seaports, where international tourists have the opportunity of visa-free entry for up to 72 hours (applicable for cruise ships and ferry line passengers only). Check limitations and requirements carefully before use.

Sochi's primary gateway is Sochi International Airport (IATA: AER), which is located in Adler district, right on the way to Krasnaya Polyana. It was totally reconstructed during the preparation to the 2014 Olympics. The new terminal was opened in 2010 giving the city a chance to become a major regional air hub.

Flight schedule differs depending on season with the peak number of flights in May-September. During the winter flight delays are possible due to weather conditions. Alternatively, Krasnodar or Gelendzhik airports can be used.

Taxi service at the airport is chaotic, taxi drivers can rarely speak English, and the declared price for a ride can be inadequate. To protect yourself book taxi / hotel transfer in advance.

The price varies greatly depending on the district you are going to. A ride to Adler costs RUB500-800, to Central Sochi - RUB1300-1,700, to Krasnaya Polyana - RUB2,200-2,600. The most remote parts of Greater Sochi, such as Lazarevskoe, will cost up to RUB4,000.

Taxi Galant (airport transfers only), ☎+7 918 101 0342, [3]. Transfers from Sochi International airport to any part of Greater Sochi and back. Order in advance, at least two hours, or better one day prior to ride.000edit

By rail:

Preparing for the 2014 Olympics, RZD [55] is constructing the railroad, which will connect Sochi airport with the city. Commuter trains to Adler and Central Sochi will be available since 2012, the connection with Krasnaya Polyana is planned on 2013.

Sochi has two major rail terminals in Central Sochi and Adler. However, most trains make short stops at small transit stations of Great Sochi: Lazarevskaya, Loo, Dagomys, Matsesta and Khosta. Tickets can be purchazed via Russian Railways website [56], at RZD counters, or via travel agencies. RZD opens ticket sales 60 days prior to ride, book in advance during the high season.

There are regular train connections with key cities of Russia, and also with major cities of Belarus and Ukraine. Round-the-year destinations include:

The quality of this busy road differs from a narrow serpentine to a highway depending on its section, tending to improve during last years. Normally it takes two days to reach the city from Moscow and 5-9 hours from Krasnodar, depending on traffic.

Going to Sochi from Europe you can use transit roads through Ukraine or Turkey. In the last case a car can be transferred to Sochi from Trabzon by ferry. Please note that entering Sochi via Georgia and Abkhazia is impossible at the moment because of closed border between those two countries.

Going to Sochi by a cruise ship or by a regular ferry can be an attractive opportunity to visit Russia without visa. Passengers are allowed to stay up to 72 hours at Russian territory if they live at the cruise ship or at the hotel, which is arranged for this particular group tourist program [57].

Unsurprisingly, up to now, most international tourists come to Sochi by cruise ships (please check the itinerary [58]).

The seaport of Sochi [59] operates several regular international routes, mainly in the period from May to October:

Within Central Sochi most distances are walkable, with some regard to hilly landscape and appropriate physical efforts needed (take into account that the big volume of construction prior to 2014 Olympics has made some walks less suitable).
Other districts of the city have significant spaces between their parts, so it's better to use some transport to get, for example, from Matsesta to Kudepsta or from Loo to Lazarevskoe. To walk between districts and sub-districts of Greater Sochi is also usually not convenient due to lack of sidewalks, hilly terrain, and intensive traffic.

It may seem that the city extended along the sea coast should have long promenades. In fact, most of the coastline space behind the beach is taken by the railroad. So, the only real promenade is between Riviera Park and Dendrarium of Central Sochi. The other one is under construction in the Olympic Park of Adler.

Due to the resort specifics of Sochi, the usual approach there is to measure the distance in meters from the beach. This may play a bad joke: you can find yourself at a hotel or apartment close to the sea, but far away from any infrastructure and transportation. So, be attentive while booking.

In contrast to other Russian cities of the same size, Sochi does not have any trams or trolleybuses. The initial bus transportation system after the collapce of Soviet Union was doped with smaller private buses and marshrutka (minibuses). The last category mostly duplicates the existing bus routes with some minor, but often useful additions. The sevice is quite frequent and relatively cheap, that makes it the most popular way of transportation in Sochi.

By 2014 Olympics the city authorities plan to provide English signage in buses and even English-speaking drivers. But as for now, neither the first nor the second can be found. So, as elsewhere in regional Russia prepare to bend your intuition not to miss your stop.

New vs Old: a Siemens Desiro ML train (similar to the Desiro RUS) and an elektrichka in Sochi

The 105km (65 mi) length of Greater Sochi makes the railroad one of the fastest and most suitable transports to travel between the city districts. For a long period Sochi had the only line going from Tuapse to Abkhazia and beading five major stations, four minor ones, and 28 platforms inside the metropolitan area. Preparing to 2014 Olympics, RZD constructs two new lines (from Adler to the airport and from Imeretinskaya lowland to Krasnaya Polyana) with total lenght of 48 km (30 mi) and five new stations and platforms.

Commuter trains of Sochi have been constantly improving during recent years, upgrading from standard Russian elektrichki to modern and comfortable ones. Most of them go from Adler (or from Sochi central terminal) to Tuapse and back. There are also 1-2 trains daily to Krasnodar and Maykop. One way ride from Sochi to Lazarevskoe will cost 45 RUR for an ordinary elektrichka (1h45). A modernized commuter train ticket is more expensive: RUB100-200 depending on class, but also faster (50-70 minutes). Expect to pay 40 percent more if going to Lazarevskoe from Adler (2h20 for an ordinary elektrichka).

While summer hot season brings more interregional trains to Sochi, the number of local commuter trains is decreasing for that period. So, there are only six round-the-year local trains (16 in off-season period). The good news is that each long distance train will also stop at Adler, Khosta, Sochi, Loo and Lazarevskaya stations, so it is possible to travel inside the city by these trains. The bad news is that you will need a passport each time you are buying a long-distance train ticket.

It is better for you to use Taxi Apps, such as: Uber, Yandex.Taxi or RuTaxi, as it will show your final price and you can set up pickup and destination points on a map and pay by card.
At some remote locations it can be possible to hail a car by putting your hand out in the street. It can be faster, but in the same time, it is of course less safe, cars are less comfortable etc.

You will hardly find any English-speaking taxi drivers in Sochi. So, unless you are a bit adventurous or familiar with Russian, it is very recommended to use mediators, such as hotel receptionists, to arrange a ride.

Be also aware, that even official services rarely use meters, more often measuring the fare by time of ride or using fixed prices. Have cash with you as only few services accept credit cards.

Taxi Sochi, ☎+7 963 163 0603, [8]. Taxi service with receipts given and credit cards accepted. A ride can be arranged by phone or via Internet. The cost of ride is fixed depending on location, see on the website.edit

Driving style in Sochi is even more chaotic than in most parts of Russia. Expect the road culture to be similar to that in Greece or Turkey and be extremely careful while driving.

Another issue is that Sochi is extremely lacking parking space, especially in the central part of the city. Drivers often have no alternatives to leaving their cars at bus stops, pedestrian areas etc. Together with the fast increase of car users this leads to traffic jamming at the streets. City authorities are planning to launch more pay parking in 2012.

Regular ship service from Central Sochi to other city districts was stopped in 2005 due to an obsolete fleet and several local piers' destruction. Currently, the objective to restore this shipping is in place, and probably in the next few years it will be done.

Sochi authorities recently introduced the city bike rental service. A bike can be taken and left at any of 30 automated terminals (pilot ones are installed in Central Sochi and Khosta districts). The service itself is free, but you need to leave RUB3,000 deposit before you take the bike.

There is also work on cycle lanes allocation in the city. However, Sochi is still uncomfortable for cycling due to heavy traffic and a lot of construction sites.

Generally, Russia has a huge gap in the level of accessibility for people with disabilities. Several cities have started their improvement programs in this area, and Sochi is among them. The accessible city is a requirement for 2014 Paralympic Games organization.

So far, at least the airport facilities and new commuter trains in Sochi are accessible. The project to create the accessibility map of Sochi has been launched in 2011, giving the start to the same all-Russian project. Hopefully, next few years will bring the significant improvement in the city's accessibility, as it happened in Khanty-Mansiysk prior to another Paralympic sport event.

Stalinist period Empire Style buildings. The modern-period architecture history in Sochi started from the general construction plan of 1934. During the Stalinist period (till 1953) many monumental buildings around Greater Sochi were built. Among them are: Sochi central train terminal, Sochi seaport, The Winter Theatre, Sochi Art museum, and numerous resort hotels, such as Metallurg, Lazarevskoe etc.edit

Stalin's Summer Residence, 120, Kurortny - Khosta district, ☎+7 (8622) 69 56 00. Initially a merchant's Mikhailovskoe estate, taken by Bolsheviks and later converted into Stalin's residence by Miron Merzhanov, Soviet chief architect. Stalin visited this dacha quite often, having numerous meetings with top-echelon politicians, such as China's Chairman Mao. Inside is a museum with many personal belongings and Stalin's waxwork. There are also legends about Stalin's phantom, still walking around this place by nights.edit

Godlik fortress, Kurskaya St, Chemitokvadzhe - Lazarevskoe district. The remains of a Byzantine triangle fortress, which was initially built in 4-5 centuries A.D. Despite of the poor condition of this sight, it still has remained towers and part of limestone walls.edit

Loo temple, Loo - Lazarevskoe district. Another Byzantine site, and also in poor condition. Located at the hilltop away from the sea (1.5 km), it was initially built in 10-12 centuries, rebuilt in 14th century and converted into a fortress in 15-16 centuries.edit

Among the traditional Russian set of monuments left as a legacy of the collapced Soviet Union, Sochi has several original artworks worth to be explored by the city's guests.

Anchor and Cannon, Pushkinsky park - Central (near Primorskaya street). The oldest monument in the city, built in 1913. An original 19th century cannon and 18th century anchor symbolize the victory of Russian army in Russian-Ottoman war of 1828-1829.edit

Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin, Vinogradnaya, 14 - Central (at Krashmashevsky resort hotel area). Probably, the only one monument to these key anti-fascist coalition leaders in Russia. Erected in 2008 by an Israeli sculptor Frank Meisler. Two copies of the monument were granted to the U.S. and UK. At the same place, a historical museum of World War II was opened.edit

The Feat for Life memorial (Подвигвоимяжизни), Riviersky pereulok - Central (At the entrance to Riviera Park). An architectural ensemble dedicated to medical personnel of Sochi, who returned back to life more than half-million casualties during the World War II. The monument is a steel arc with the marble statues of physicians, nurses and wounded people at its pediment.edit

The Golden Fleece, Ploschad Isskustv - Central (near Sochi Art Museum). A symbolic composition, illustrating a well-known Classical Greek myth about Argonauts and the Golden Fleece, was opened in 2008. Between two elegant columns the gold-plated sheep skin is stretched, guarded by a dragon. The sculptor implemented the idea of historical bridge between Greece and Olympic Sochi.edit

The Singing Fontains, Kurortny - Central. Located in the center of the city, at the corner of Kurortny Prospekt and Navaginskaya street, at the entrance to Sochi Trade Gallery. A pool with numerous water streams, and special sound and visual hardware, allowing the water to "sing" and "dance" in rhythym. The fontains operate only in summer evenings, when their visual effects are the best-seen. Initially constructed in 1970, the Singing Fontains were totally renovated in 2009.edit

Zavokzalny War Memorial, Zavokzalny subdistrict - Central. The memorial to Sochi soldiers, who died during the World War II, and the burial place for more than 2,000 of them, built in 1985 to 40th Victory Anniversary. At the hilltop there are memory desks with soldier names, as a semicircle surrounding an eternal light. Overlooking Central Sochi, this place has become a non-avoidable photosession point for weddings in the city.edit

Olympic Countdown Clock, (near Sochi seaport). Installed and launched in May (Olympic) and June (Paralympic) of 2011, 1,000 days before the start of Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games. An innovatively looking construction, worth to see.edit

Sochi Art Museum, Kurortny, 51 - Central, ☎+7 (8622) 62-2947, +7 (8622) 62-2916, [13]. The museum occupies one of the most beautiful buildings of Sochi, built in 1936. Its collection is the largest at the Black Sea coast (more than 5 000 items of various style and period from antique to contemporary). The exposition expands with new paintings of Sochi artists, regular solo exhibitions are organized.edit

Sochi History Museum, Vorovskogo 54/11 - Central, ☎+7 (8622) 64-28-91. This museum, one of the oldest cultural sights in the city, was open in 1920. The exposition embraces the important milestones of the city's history, archaelogical findings, nature and famous people. In total, there are 14 museum halls and about 150,000 items.edit

Museum of Sochi Sport Honour, Sovetskaya, 26 - Central, ☎+7 (8622) 64-23-26, +7 (928) 448 90 85 (tours). 11:00-09:00 daily. This is the newest museum in the city, open in 2010 in the threshold of 2014 Olympics. The items of its collection show the history of Olympics, the Olympic movement, and Sochi participation in the organization of Olympics. The most important items are Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic flags, as well as the miniaturized models of Coastal and Mountain cluster venues, which are in construction in Sochi. The museum also acts as a cultural center, where numerous educational programs and meetings are conducted.80RUR. edit

Riviera Park, Yegorova, 1 - Central, ☎+7 (8622) 64-33-77, +7 (8622) 64-08-85. The most popular and the biggest public park of Greater Sochi, established in 1898 and fully renovated 100 years after. Riviera is an all-season sight. In summer it offers shadow and numerous leisure attractions, while in winter its silent alleys attract fans of quiet walks and solitude. The park has restaurants and bars, sports facilities, leisure centers, a cinema, and other attractions. The Green Theatre of the park is a venue for frequent concerts and festivals. But the main point of interest is probably Friendship Alley (Поляна дружбы), established in 1960, with trees planted by famous politicians, celebrities and other well-known people. For example, 45 Russian cosmonauts and American astronauts planted their trees at this site.Free entrance. edit

Dendrarium (Dendrary Botanical Garden), 74, Kurortny - Khosta district, ☎+7 (8622) 62-18-42 ‎, [15]. 08:00-21:00 daily. The best park at the Black Sea coast, where a wide variety of trees' species is collected. A beautiful, shadowy, and well-managed place, excellent for leisure, unhurried walking etc. Use cable-car to get to the mountain from the coastal part of Dendrarium and discover a scenic panoramic view of the sea and Caucasus ridges.180 RUR. edit

Park of Southern Cultures, Adler district. Another dendrary botanical garden located in Adler, at river Mzymta's left bank. Established in 1910, the park collected more than 5,500 plant species from all over the world, blossoming round the year. At a single place you can find 300-year oaks, blossoming sakura, and Chinese fan palms. There are also ponds with water lilies and lotuses, inhabited by swans and ducks. The park with its outstanding landscape and biodiversity is definitely among the best such objects in Russia.Entrance 150 RUR. edit

Frunze Park (ПаркимениФрунзе), Chernomorskaya st - Khosta district. One of the oldest resort parks in the city, located in the coastal park of Khosta district, near Dendrarium, having at its area the Summer Theatre, venues for sports, and an amazing cascaded fontain.edit

Imeretinskaya lowland of Adler district was chosen as the place of Sochi 2014 Olympic Coastal Cluster allocation (the Mountain Cluster is located at Krasnaya Polyana). Initially occupied with chaotically built private houses, this area started to be totally re-developed in 2007, seeming to be the largest construction site of modern Russia. As of 2011, the construction is on its midway and to be finished by the end of 2013.

In 2014 the Olympic Park will be used for the Games opening and closing ceremonies, hockey, skating and curling competitions, and all medal award ceremonies. After the Games the park will become the city's legacy, while several competition venues will be transferred to other locations in Russia and the Olympic Village facilities will be converted into hotels and apartments.

Map of Sochi Olympic Park

Olympic Park will include the following venues and facilities:

Olympic Competition Venues:

Central Stadium

Bolshoi Ice Palace (12,000 spectators)

Maly Ice Palace (7,000)

Speed Skating Centre (8,000)

Figure Skating and Short Trek Centre (12,000)

Sochi Curling Centre (3,000)

Olympic Non-competition Venues:

Olympic Village

Olympic and Paralympic Family Hotel

Main Media Center

Other Facilities and Venues:

Formula 1 race track

The campus of Russian International Olympic University

Thematic leisure park

2 new railroad stations: Olympic Park and Imeretinskaya

Olympic Park is seven kilometres (4 mi) away from Adler station and Sochi International Airport. It will be connected with the rest of Sochi city by train and bus routes.

Sochi Discovery World Aquarium, Lenin 219а / 4 - Adler, ☎+7 (8622) 46-33-56, [16]. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. The largest oceanarium in Russia, and one of the largest ones in Europe. Standard, but impressive variety of marine species is complemented with a wide array of Russia's freshwater species of fish.500 RUR. edit

Monkey Nursery Center (Обезьянийпитомник), Vesyoloe, 1 - Adler district (Marshrutka / bus 134). The place is owned by the only Russian scientific institute of medical primatology of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. It is famous for monkey preparation for experimental space flights, starting from non-manned period of space exploration. Here animals pass the spaceflight training, accustom to spaceship conditions etc. The center has large area, where 2,700 friendly animals of more than 11 monkey species live (primarily macaques). Nursery itself is 1.5-km walk from the entrance. Open for visiting,200 RUR. edit

As a rule with some exceptions, Sochi outdoor sights are located inside the area of Sochi National Park. This means that in some cases you will need to pay the park entrance fee. All major sights attract both independent travellers and guided groups. Tours can be arranged at hotels or at the hot tourist areas in the city.

Mount Akhun, Khosta district. Mount Akhun is the highest Greater Sochi coastal point famous as the best panoramic view of the city. The castle-looking tower on its 700-meter top gives a perfect overlook of the city. It is probably even possible to see the remote Turkish coast, if the weather and visibility are fine. Taking a trail down from Mt. Akhun, it is possible to get to the nearby Agurskoe Canyon (Агурское ущелье), another popular destination with a cascade of 3 waterfalls surrounded by high cliffs. It is spoken to be the oldest tourist sight in the city. Outside of the waterfalls there is the place called Eagle Rock (Орлиные скалы) with few caves around. As a legend says, Eagle Rock is the place, where Prometheus (Classical Greek god of fire) was enchained. To reach Mount Akhun and its surroundings it is best to use a car/taxi. Using a bus, take route 110 from Central Sochi to Sputnik stop. In this case you will need to climb the mountain (2-3 hours walk).RUB100 (Mt. Akhun viewing point), 100 RUR (Agurskoe canyon), RUB50 (Eagle Rock). edit

Yew and boxtree wood at Khosta, Sochi

Yew & boxtree wood (тисо-самшитоваяроща), Khosta district. An exclave of Caucasian Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage List item, yew and boxtree wood occupies 3 square kilometres at one of the Mt. Akhun slopes. This is a unique nature sight with over 700 plant species, some of those are relicts remained unchanged for 30 million years. There are also endemic species and very aged plants, like 2 thousand years old trees. The wood has 20 endangered species included into the IUCN Red List. If you are not going to use car or taxi to reach it, take marshrutka route 122 from Central Sochi to Khosta. The stop you need is "Khosta-most". From that walk by Samshitovaya street (Самшитовая улица) till the road turning and the pointer. Soon after the turn a usual group of taxi cars act as the sign of the entrance to the wood.150 RUR. edit

Vorontsovka Caves (Воронцовскиепещеры), Vorontsovka village - Khosta district. The mountain part of Greater Sochi area contains over 400 caves in total. The most known of them is the complex of caves in Vorontsovka village of Khosta district. It consists of 3 interconnected parts (Kabanya, Vorontsovskaya and Labirintovaya) with total lenght of 11 km and the height difference of 240 m. This is one of the largest cave systems in Caucasus, a significant part of it is open for visiting.edit

Dagomys Tea-Party Houses, Dagomys and Uch-Dere - Lazarevskoe district. The world northernmost tea has been cultivated in Sochi since 1887, as "Krasnodar Tea" brand. There are group tours to Dagomys Tea Plant, and also, on a hill in Uch-Dere there are tea-party houses, open for visiting. There you can find out how tea is grown, collected and manufactured. You will be offered a tea-party with samovar, pirozhki, pancakes, jam, and folk songs. As a bonus, at the place there is a museum with traditional Russian crafts exposition.edit

33 waterfalls, Lazarevskoe district. There are several waterfall locations in Greater Sochi area. This certain one is a bit remote, but contains as many as thirty three waterfalls, those are not so high (1.3 to 10 metres), but very scenic ones. They are best seen in spring, when rains and snow melting at mountains bring more water. Dzhegosh stream has only 2 km lenght flowing down to Shakhe river not far from a traditional Circassian settlement Bolshoy Kichmay, 11 km from the sea coast, Golovinka sub-district and regular public transportation. To get to waterfalls less cheaper, but more suitable is to use a taxi or to join an organized tour.edit

Trout Farm (Форелевоехозяйство), Forelevaya st, 45, Kazachiy Brod settlement - Adler. The largest fish farm in Russia, includes 131 ponds for trout and 6 more for carps. This is not only a farm, but also an amazing tourist spot. Visiting it, you can get information about trout planting, watch the fish, feed it, and even go fishing at ponds. It's also possible to buy incredibly tasty smoked trout at the place.edit

Akhtyrshskaya Cave (Ахтыршскаяпещера), Adler district. Many of Sochi caves were inhabited by primeval people. Akhtyrshkaya cave is among them, having many petroglyphic drawings and other primeval remains. Take a bus/marshrutka 106 to its ending point (Trout Farm). Cross the street from the bus stop and go to the tunnel. Turn right close to the tunnel and go down to Mzymta river and a monkey bridge. Prior to the bridge go left and up to the entrance to the cave. There is beautiful scenery and panoramic view close to the cave: cross Mzymta river and take the trail left and up.Entrance 100 RUR. edit

Kinotavr, Open Russian Film Festival [61] - conducted in June annually since 1990. Kinotavr is the largest Russian film festival attracting the top talents of Russian cinema: directors, producers, actors, writers, and photographers.

Russian University of Peoples' Friendship (RUDN), Sochi Branch (Department of additional education), Kuibysheva, 24 - Adler, ☎+7 (8622) 40-0895 ([email protected]). This university is among leaders in Russia by number of international students. Sochi branch is, however, a small one, so your case with Russian study will be probably solved on individual basis.edit

Getting a work permit in Russia is not usually an easy process, at least if you are not a former Soviet Union state citizen. Sochi can possibly be an exception, as in nearest future the preparation of Olympic Games will create many new workplaces. Some of the potential vacancies will require international expertise. Highly qualified international candidates will have simplified visa and work permit procedure.

Another Olympics-related opportunity is to join Sochi 2014 Volunteer Program (recruitment will start on February 2012).

Apart from Olympics there are potential vacancies for English tutors, as the demand for English study in the city is constantly growing. It is also possible to find sport instructors' jobs, in both winter (skiing, snowboarding) and summer (diving, yachting, kitesurfing) sports, but the knowledge of Russian is essential for those positions.

Krasnodar tea (Краснодарский чай). This is the only tea sort grown in Russia, being the northernmost one in the world (due to climate conditions, it's impossible to cultivate tea to the north from Sochi). Tea plantations of Greater Sochi are located in Dagomys, Solokhaul[19] (Lazarevskoe district) and Adler. The amount of their production is limited, so it's not easy to meet it outside Krasnodar Krai. Baloven (Баловень) tea brand by Dagomys Tea Plant is available at Sochi shops. Group tours to tea plants are also available.edit

Local alcohol. Surpisingly, Russia is the 11th-largest wine producer in the world. 60% of all Russian wine is manufactured in Krasnodar Krai. In Sochi and around there is possible to buy many kinds of this drink, starting from home-made and market-sold wine in no-brand plastic bottles (looks dangerous, but is spoken to be the best one), finishing with premium-class aged wine and brandy in souvenir boxes. To avoid fake brand production buy it at the city's chain stores, such as Magnit, Karusel, Kairos or Perekryostok.edit

Abrau Durso sparkling wines, [20]. Abrau Durso (plant located near Novorossiysk) is the leading and the best-known Russian producer of a wide array of sparkling wines, from odious "Soviet Shampagne" to the exclusive Imperial and Millesime wine collections. The production technology is based on traditional shampagnoise method. Abrau Durso (Абрау-Дюрсо) wine is distributed to all Russian regions and exported.The price varies greatly depending on the collection item. edit

Abkhazian wines. There are several brands of wine from Abkhazia those are widely common in Russian shops and popular for their inimitative taste. Apsny (Апсны) - red semi-sweet wine from the mix of Cabernet, Sovignon, Merlot and Saperavi grape. Chegem (Чегем) - red dry wine from Cabernet grape. Lykhny (Лыхны) - red semi-sweet wine from Isabella grape. Psou (Псоу) - white semi-sweet wine from Aligote and Riesling grape.250-500 RUR per bottle. edit

Brand wines of Krasnodar Krai. The best wine brands in the region are Fanagoria (Фанагория)[21] and Myskhako (Мысхако), both produced in Novorossiysk area and having the wide assortment.200-500 RUR per bottle. edit

Brandy. This alcohol drink is called Cognac (Коньяк) at Russian domestic market, but is exported as Brandy due to necessity to follow the copyright of Cognac province of France. Together with Dagestan and Stavropol Krai, Krasnodar Krai is among 3 regions of Russia, those grape is acceptable for brandy production. The factory in Temryuk town located near Taman makes the best brandy in Krasnodar Krai, including the aged and souvenir collection.From 150 RUR per bottle for ordinary drink, to 2,500 RUR for upper-class souvenir bottles. edit

Alexandria (Александрия), Moskovskaya street, 22 - Central. A 5-stored mall built at the place of former city market and combined with a higher office building. Conveniently located in the very center of Sochi.edit

Kairos (Кайрос), [22]. 24/7. The largest local retail chain in Greater Sochi. Over 40 supermarkets and minimarkets spread all over the city at walking distance from most tourist and residential locations. Good place for minor daily shopping.edit

MoreMall (МореМолл), Novaya Zarya street - Central (under construction till May 2012). The first regional-scale world-benchmarked mall is being now constructed at outskirts of Central Sochi. In 2012 its numerous shops and boutiques of the best global and federal brands will offer the city biggest variety of goods and services. Over 30 restaurants of various cuisines of the world and a multiplex cinema are also planned.edit

Noviy Vek (НовыйВек), Demokraticheskaya street, 52 - Adler, [23]. A midsize mall, located in the center of Adler district. Over 100 shops, restaurants, and a supermarket.edit

Trade Gallery (Торговаягалерея), Navaginskaya street - Central. Navaginskaya street became one of the main shopping areas in the city, containing a whole lot of various shops, where it is possible to by everything, from souvenir to clothing, and from food to photo camera spare parts.edit

Mama Roza, Moskovskaya, 19A - Central, ☎+7 (8622) 64-2872. 11:00-23:00. Conveniently located in the very center, close to the main train terminal, this cafe offers a budget variety of pizza and other Italian-style food.About 500 RUR. edit

London Bar, Nesebrskaya St, 6 - Central (beach zone), ☎+7 (8622) 60 82 00, [30]. 24/7. Stylish restaurant and bar, offering business lunches during the day and transforming into a music club by nights. European and Japanese cuisine, wide array of cocktails and spirits. Concerts (rock, disco, chillout, both Russian and international) and parties each 1-2 weeks.500-1,500 RUR. edit

Treugolnik Rock Bar (Треугольник), Kirova St, 56 - Adler, [31]. 12:00-03:00. A democratic rock-n-roll club with an authentic athmosphere and a large musical collection: from rock classics to newest trends. Regular parties and concerts of mainstream and underground teams (primarily from Russia and former Soviet Union countries). A library of books and DVDs on rock topics. The club provides not only drinks and parties, but also breakfasts, lunches and dinners, its pizza seems to be the best in Adler. Transfer to Central Sochi is possible.From 500 RUR. edit

Sochi has plenty of hotels (200+), and their number is steadily increasing, but the cost of stay may seem to be overpriced, comparing to many European destinations. There are more than enough gigantic health resorts and hotels, which were a pride of former Soviet Union resort industry, but which are completely obsolete at the moment. On the other hand, many mini-hotels mushroomed in Sochi recently, but only few of them are able to meet average international service requirements. Hotel staff often has problems with hospitality, helpful answers and advice, and with speaking any other language than Russian.

Between these two extremes, there is a gap of normal chain or chain-like 2-3-4 star hotels with reasonable prices and acceptable level of English and hospitality skills of staff. The situation is slowly improving, but the room to grow is still large.

In general, Lazarevskoe district offers cheaper accommodation, while Central Sochi and Adler have more expensive options. Prices also depend on season, traditionally increasing in summer and in the beginning of May (between 2 national holidays). Always book in advance in summer. The selection of hotels below includes mainly those of them, where better English and/or service level has been reported. For the mountain part hotels please see Krasnaya Polyana.

Chastny sector - many Russian visitors of Sochi stay at unofficially rented rooms or apartments (so called chastny sector). This opportunity can be significantly cheaper than hotels, especially if several people rent one facility. But owners of such properties usually don't speak English, their facilities are not available via any online booking, and their quality varies greatly. You will meet many rental properties owners and agents at train and bus terminals (they usually offer komnata (комната), i.e. room). Chastny sector of proven quality is usually can only be recommended by someone who has already stayed there. Prices vary from 350 RUR for a room in a basic house with toilet and shower outdoor to 5,000 RUR and more for a comfortable cottage.

Olympic Hotel Sochi, Leningradskaya 7A, ☎+7-862-252-1818 ([email protected], fax: +7-862-252-4625), [32]. This three star Soviet style hotel has good quality and affordable rooms and is supervised by an Austrian hotel company assuring a good level of service. The hotel has uncommonly large rooms especially for families. Prices start at RUB 2.879 for a double which includes breakfast and free WiFi. There is a full restaurant, mini-golf and pool. Many rooms have a view of the Black Sea and all rooms have their own balcony. Toll free number in Russia 8-800-333-1818edit

AKS Hotel, Bytkha street, 41/28 (between Central Sochi and Matsesta, part of Khosta district), [33]. A newly built mini-hotel, having 10 rooms. Cosy, reasonably priced, with felpful staff, new facilities and swimming pool. Located inside a residential area, on the hill of Bytkha, a bit away from the sea and transport.double 2,300 - 3,000 RUR. edit

Orbita Hotel, Lenina street, 280 А - Adler, ☎+7(8622) 45-01-47. This hotel has a spa-center with a sauna and a swimming pool. Relatively low price is compensated by some noise from the main street of Adler.1,200 RUR for single accommodation, 1,600 - 3,300 for double. edit

Zhemchuzhina, Chernomorskaya street 3 (sea coast, city center), ☎+7 (8622) 66-11-88, [34]. The monumental 19-stored Zhemchuzhina Hotel was built in 1970-s and became the symbol of Soviet Sochi tourism center. Unfortunately, little has changed since that: rooms haven't been renovated and new staff hasn't been recruited. The existing personnel hardly knows the word "hospitality". Zhemchuzhina is perfectly located in the city center right at the coast, always having rooms available, but even having a one-night stay may appear as a challenge.Single 2,900 RUR, double 3,500 RUR. edit

Hostel Lermontov, Lermontova street 3 (near Dendrarium), ☎+7 918 208 01 07. A small hostel with one 4- and one 6-bed dorm, cozy beds, friendly staff, good location near the city center. There are no signs on the street to direct you and the neighbours don't know about it, so call in advance and you will be picked up. The nearest bus stop is Svetlana.Dorm bed 500 RUR. edit

Radisson Lazurnaya, Kurortny Prospekt 103 (Between Cenral Sochi and Matsesta), ☎+7(8622) 66-3333, [38]. A large Radisson's hotel with its own beach and all supporting facilities. Positioned as a luxurious place, but in reality a 4-star resort hotel with fair leve of service - seems to be a bit overpriced.Single 5,600 - 10,000 RUR, double 9,000 - 16,500 RUR. edit

Tele2, [43]. A multinational European provider, operating in 22 countries including Russia. Tele 2 has its network in many regions of the country, excluding Moscow. Comparing to others, it is the cheapest operator, but having the smallest coverage area.edit

CDMA:

Skylink, [44]. The all-Russian CDMA operator, having less subscribers, than GSM operators, but popular for faster and cheaper mobile Internet service.edit

Check roaming prices before using non-Russian sim-card, especially those for mobile Internet. Some standards of mobile connection are not supported in Russia, e.g. those for Japan and United States.

Staying in Russia for a week or more, it's definetily worth to buy a local sim-card, but be aware, that a passport is needed for that. The easiest way refill a local mobile account is to use an ATM for that. Most ATMs have bilingual interfaces, allowing numerous kinds of payments, including those for mobile services by local operators.

4G (WiMax) high-speed Internet is provided by Yota[62], a company operating in 7 cities of Russia including Sochi (most of the coastal part of Greater Sochi is covered by its network). Special equipment and subscription fee payment are needed to connect.

Wi-fi connection can be found at part of Sochi hotels and restaurants. Below is the list of major free wi-fi spots in the city (see also Krasnaya Polyana):

Sochi International Airport, (Adler district). Service provided by MegaFon.edit

Among dozens of Sochi newspapers, magazines and radio stations, there are no expat-oriented or internationally-focused media at the moment. Everything is published in Russian only. Hotels often provide satellite TV with standard assortment of international channels (BBC, CNN, Russia Today, etc.). Following resources are recommended in addition:

Sochi Life TV Channel. Music channel with both Russian and international playlists, mixed with views of Sochi and tourist information (in Russian only). Available within some satellite TV packages e.g. Tricolor.edit

Krasnodar Krai is probably one of Southern Russia's most safe regions. Sochi does not stand out with the higher crime rate, but standard safety precautions should be used. There is a saying in Russia: "Nights are dark in Sochi" ("В городе Сочи темные ночи"), and this can be explained as that anyone or anything can get lost in the city.

Try to avoid unlit spaces during the night and beware pickpockets in crowded places, such as markets and transport terminals. Beggars can approach you at stations and beaches. Fraud is widespread at Russian summer resorts, but most of its organizers would have problems with English. Anyway, try to avoid drinking and gambling with newly met people.

Recently there were several reports of explosions in the Sochi area, but luckily they were more due to vandalism than terrorism, and the perpetrators were arrested soon after.

Sunburn can occur in summer, so use sunblock during the hot season.

Some governments (including US Department of State) has alerted its citizen planning to attend the 2014 Olympic Games in Russia that they should remain attentive regarding their personal security at all times.

Once a flourishing sea resort autonomy and a part of Soviet Georgia, this mountainous Caucasian republic passed through a bloody civil war with Georgians after the Soviet Union collapse, proclaimed its independence and was supported by Russia, but yet unrecognized by most countries. Honestly loved by many Russian tourists, Abkhazia is undeservedly mostly unknown by travellers from other parts of the world.

Abkhazia is quite small and can be quickly discovered within a weekend, but longer stay is certainly needed for deeper impressions. The monastery and the cave at New Athos, as well as Lake Ritsa, are definitely among most amazing places at the Black Sea. This breathtaking beauty mixed with Abkhazian poverty and the remains of the civil war will leave no one indifferent. Locals are very friendly, but only few of them will understand anything in English.

Sochi is the only place with Abkhazia border crossing possibility from Russian side. There is a crossing point at Vesyoloe (southern part of Adler district). It can be crossed both by foot and by car/bus (two separate bridges through the border Psou river). Coming to Abkhazia by foot, you will find a marshrutka parking right after the bridge - a cheap opportunity to reach any key destination of the country. The Abkhazian capital Sukhum is also reachable by a direct bus from Sochi, and a commuter train (elektrichka) is planned to start operate in 2011. There is also option to get to Gagra, Abkhazia by boat from Sochi port.

A fully enclaved into Krasnodar Krai small national autonomy, neighboring to Greater Sochi, Adygea has a significant tourist potential, which is underestimated by the moment. Rafting, waterfall seeing, trekking and other mountain activities in front of awesome Caucasus views make this destination very promising. It is also important that Adygea is safer than any other Caucasian region except Krasnodar Krai.

Maykop, the capital of Adygea, is accessible from Sochi by train (daily, 6 hours) and bus (1-2 daily plus transit buses, 8 hours). There is also an option to reach Adygea by car (6-8 hours via Tuapse). An extreme alternative to that is the mountainous unpaved direct road connecting Sochi with Adygea via Caucasus ridges. Be more than careful using it.

This natural reserve has the second-largest protected area in Europe and the largest one in Caucasus mountains. It occupies the mountain ridges of Krasnodar Krai, Adygea and Karachay-Cherkessia, including part of Greater Sochi metropolitan area (Khosta district and Krasnaya Polyana), bordering Sochi National Park.

Caucasian Biosphere Reserve is the richest biodiversity treasury, having no equivalents in Russia and an international value as a piece of untouched nature with primeval habitats. Reasonably, this unique area is included into the UNESCO World Heritage List. The official site of the reserve is available in Russian only: [63]

Two exclaved parts of the reserve, those are located inside Greater Sochi, are easy to visit: yew & boxtree wood at Khosta and the wild animals nursery at Krasnaya Polyana. To visit other parts of the reserve, you need to get special permit, requiring the following:

list of participants,

passport details and passport copies of each participant,

name of the group's leader,

planned route/itinerary,

period of stay (number of days),

entrance fee (RUB150 per person per day, RUB50 for children).

In Sochi you can get the permit at the reserve's headquarter: Karl Marx street, 8, room 10, Adler district, Sochi.

A resort town located at the Black Sea coast to the north-west from Sochi, one of the most popular domestic summer destinations of Russia. Gelendzhik has both natural and leisure attractions. Gelendzhik's aquapark is the largest in the country, and its surroundings have very beautiful scenery. The town is home to International Sea Aviation Conference, which is conducted there each two years.

Gelendzhik is a transit point for several buses going from Sochi (4-5 daily). A ride will take 5.5 hours. The Sea Flight fast ferry going from Sochi to Novorossiysk and back also makes stops at Gelendzhik.

This Krasnodar Krai's 3rd largest city is the biggest Russian port at the Black Sea and the main cement industry center in Southern Russia. The majority of the city's tourist attractions are related to the Second World War, when Novorossiysk was among Russian key battlefields. The most known memorials are Malaya Zemlya, Defence Line (Rubezh Oborony) and Death Valley (Dolina Smerti).

Novorossiysk's vicinities have beautiful nature of Caucasus foothills. On the top of local natural wonders is the amazing Abrau lake, the biggest one at Northern Caucasus. Just nearby the wine manufacture of Abrau-Dyurso is located, making this place the capital of Russian champagne / sparkling wine (tours to Abrau-Dyurso with wine testing are available). There are also several smaller beach resorts around the city.

There are several ways to get from Sochi to Novorossiysk. Buses go daily (8.5 hours). Sea Flight speed ferry connection operates from May to October, 3 times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays). One-way ride will cost 1,800-2,700 RUR, taking about 5 hours. It is also possible to get to Novorossiysk by train via Krasnodar.

Another important Russian port at the Black Sea and the closest neighbour town bordering Greater Sochi. This is mostly industrial and transport hub, attracting fewer number of tourists, than other Russian Black Sea coastal locations. But anyway, Tuapse is good for a single-day trip from Sochi. After a look at the downtown, the awesome surroundings should be visited. There are several very scenic cliffs around, the top of those is Kiselev's Rock, a 46 meter upright cliff breaking down into the sea. Quite many ancient cultural remains, such as table-stones, are also located around Tuapse.

Any elektrichka or long-distance train from Sochi stops in Tuapse, the frequent bus/marshrutka connection is also available. Expect 2 - 2,5 hours for one-way trip from Central Sochi.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!